You might have formal authority, but do you have “legitimacy?” Legitimacy is one of the things that separates a good leader from an exceptionally effective one. As per a recent article in Harvard Business Review: “A legitimate leader engenders good will and a feeling of personal connection with followers. . . (Leaders) who enjoy legitimacy can motivate loyalty and … [Read more...] about Build Your Leadership Legitimacy
Inspiration
Improve Your Change Effort
Leading a change is among the most challenging tasks executives take on. Change management guru, Dr. John Kotter, says that 70% of change efforts fail. Sometimes I wonder if the actual numbers are even higher. There are many changes you might like to lead – a change in culture, staff structure, new products and services, maybe a new financial model. But inertia and … [Read more...] about Improve Your Change Effort
Let’s Commence!
This past weekend was my final time presiding over our University of Maryland Executive MBA Commencement, before moving on to my next career adventure. It was a great day! The faculty and student speakers that the cohort selected reminisced, encouraged, and challenged the group as they enter the next phases of their careers. For my part, I simply reminded them of the … [Read more...] about Let’s Commence!
Inspire Aspirational Giving from Donors
How do you inspire a donor to make a transformational gift? Find out what inspires them, from their heart. And you might start with making sure you are clear on what inspires you and your organization. Here are a couple of activities that you can do at an upcoming staff meeting or Board meeting. Ask: “What would the world look like if we were accomplishing our … [Read more...] about Inspire Aspirational Giving from Donors
Thank You for the Grass
Once upon a time I was married and had three young step-daughters. We thought it would be nice if the older girls, then seven and eight, would take turns saying the dinner prayer. But one night neither of them wanted to do it. “I’ll say it,” pipped up the three year-old. “Dear God, thank you for . . .” and she began to list everything she could possibly think of that … [Read more...] about Thank You for the Grass